Mars, moon shining at X-mas Eve

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Mars and the moon will shine exceptionally brightly in the sky at about Monday midnight, according to Discovery News.

The planet Mars will be "at opposition" on Christmas Eve, meaning it will sit directly opposite the sun. It will be about as close and as bright to Earth as it ever gets.

"It's only 55 million miles away, which makes it brighter than the brightest star in the sky on Christmas Eve," said Jack Horkheimer, a Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium astronomer.

"Plus it will be followed by a spectacular full moon," Horkheimer said. "They will track across the sky together all night long until sunrise Christmas morning."

Mars comes into opposition with the sun every 26 months, but it is also currently at its closest to Earth ¢w about 64 million km. The planet will not be as noticeable for another nine years, astronomers said.

Mars came nearest to Earth on Dec. 18, but is now more visible because of its angle.

The full moon will also be considerably brighter than normal, as it will reach a height, which is not expected again for another 16 years.

The moon casts a greater amount of light down onto Earth when it is at greater height.

Mars will appear as a dot of red, orange and gold initially to the left of the moon around and will eventually move to its lower right.

(Agencies)